Postmark Ganymede

"Postmark Ganymede" by Robert Silverberg is a science fiction novella published in the mid-20th century. The story follows Hal Preston, a disgraced former Space Patrol officer who finds himself reduced to the humiliating role of a postal worker tasked with delivering mail to a colony on Ganymede, one of Jupiter's moons. The narrative delves into themes of dignity, purpose, and resilience as Preston grapples with his new mundane reality while grappling with the dangers of space travel. In the novella, Hal Preston embarks on his postal delivery mission but quickly discovers that the Ganymede Colony is under siege by massive iceworms that have taken over the area surrounding their dome. Determined to deliver the mail against all odds, Preston innovatively uses his skills to aid the colony, culminating in a daring maneuver where he creates a path through the hostile iceworms to ensure the successful delivery of the mail. The story captures Preston's journey from a disgraced postman to an unlikely hero, ultimately emphasizing the importance of duty and resourcefulness in the face of adversity. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Robert Silverberg is a prolific American science fiction author and editor. He is a multiple winner of both Hugo and Nebula Awards, a member of the Science Fiction and Fantasy Hall of Fame, and a Grand Master of SF since 2004.